South Carolina Special Election Attracts Familiar Faces

Sanford, the former governor, is among the possible candidates for the 1st District special election, as is his ex-wife.

“They come from fairly limited geographical and political bases,” said one South Carolina political strategist. “They are not known outside of their district. They are really a blank slate to the voters in the congressional district.”

State Sen. Larry Grooms, who is aligned with the tea party, confirmed he is considering a run. “There’s a number of good folks who are looking at the seat, and I’ve got my eyes on the seat also. There’s been an outpouring of support urging me to run,” he said.

Businessman Carroll Campbell III, son of former Gov. Carroll Campbell Jr., is another candidate who came up short in that campaign, placing third in the GOP primary. In 2011, he considered a run in the state’s new 7th District, and many expect him to give the 1st District another try.

Other Republicans on the grid: state Sen. Chip Campsen and state Reps. Chip Limehouse, Peter McCoy and Jim Merrill.

The 1st District runs along the southern coastline of the state, is anchored by Charleston and includes the city of Beaufort.

Per South Carolina law, the primary will occur on the 11th Tuesday after Scott’s resignation drops. If no candidate gets more than 50 percent of the vote, a primary runoff will be held on the 13th Tuesday after the resignation.

The general special election must occur on the 18th Tuesday after the resignation, likely around early May.